2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, both 2005 Mazda 3 and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (2005). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 106 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (203 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1253 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
